DA/19/2020
This DA for a childcare centre on Ray Road, Epping in a heritage building and within the heritage conservation area.
The proposed development is for a new childcare centre on a residential site on Ray Road, near the Epping Town Centre. It includes use of a heritage listed house called Woodslane, and the site sits within the Heritage Conservation Area.
The Trust has the following concerns about the application:
This application continues a trend over the last couple of years for older Epping properties being bought up, and conversion sought for childcare centres. By necessity, conversion can include many major changes to the existing property. The Trust agrees that more childcare places will likely be needed in Epping as the population grows, but at present the council is not allowed to properly plan and zone the most appropriate areas for these centres. Under State government legislation, applications for child care centres can be made for most streets irrespective of the surrounding area or need. The Trust supports planning powers for childcare centres passing back to the control of Councils who can then do proper long term planning.